Coventry's Paine House targeted by student group

September 25, 2013

Students from Johnson & Wales have offered their assistance to try to draw more visitors and a greater revenue stream to the Paine House, located on Station Street.
File Photo.

COVENTRYâ Last year students from Johnson & Wales University (JWU) took a tour of various historic locations in Coventry as part of a Pawtuxet Valley revitalization project.

This year, however, six new students from JWU visited the area, focusing on marketing and getting the word out about the Paine House.

Norma Smith, Vice President for the Western Rhode Island Civic and Historical Society, explained that each semester a different group of students will be helping the society with projects.

âThings have changed with the Lippitt Mill,â she added, in reference to the millâs receipt of a state historic tax credit that will help finance its next life. âSo that wonât be part of our focus now.â

She said the focus will be the economic development of the Paine House and ways to market the historic structure.

Samuel Sacco, professor of strategic planning at JWU, explained that the students âKelli-Ann Mulick, Aja Lorin David, Jenna Ciacciarelli, Madison Gerhard, Janice Sanchez, Renee Grivois and Jason Wright â were chosen for the project because of their academic excellence.

The marketing students, he said, are part of the Director Work Experience (DWE).

âThis is a consulting team of just students who have a good academic record at the school and have a major that reflects the skill set to go out and tackle a real world business issue in the region,â he said.

The students receive course credit for this program and, Sacco said, âitâs at no charge to the client.â

Sacco said the six students were thrilled to visit the Paine House and, âthey thought it was the coolest place with the furniture and clothing.â